Fire resistant chemicals are toxic to young children. Duke University scientists found in their recent studies that refractory foam in children leads to an increase in the concentration of toxins in the urine. Doctors will present their findings at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2019.
Fire retardant chemicals are found even in public places.
In children in social housing with refractory materials, the concentration of toxins in blood and urine is 15 times higher. This is another reason that speaks of health inequalities between rich and poor.
Fire retardant chemicals cause developmental delay, obesity, endocrine disruption, cancer and other diseases.
There are concerns that chemicals may affect the developing brain.
How do refractory substances enter the body?
Refractory products are powerful chemicals that break down hormones. Since the end of the 20th century, they have been added to products of all kinds to make them less susceptible to flame.
Over time, these chemicals are released from the products and then accumulate on the surface.
In the case of a TV, this can cause the accumulated dust to mix with these substances.
Children inhale refractory substances and suffer from a wide range of diseases. When the hazard became known, more stringent restrictions were placed on their use to limit exposure.
What do benzyl butyl phthalate and phthalates do?
Benzyl butyl phthalate was mainly used as a plasticizer for PVC. Previously, it was associated with diseases of the respiratory tract, skin, myeloma and disorders in the sexual life of people.
In homes with flame retardants, harmful chemicals are common, for example, in household dust. They are especially dangerous for young children who spend most of their time indoors.
Phthalates, which are found in vinyl floors and carpets, also affect the way fat is stored in the body.
In 2010, 80% of consumer products contained these toxic substances.
There is no general ban, and chemicals continue to be used, especially in public buildings. Regulators have already found chemicals in completely unexpected places. A study conducted last year showed that refractory substances are found in farmed fish in the United States and the EU. Indian experiments revealed a high content of substances in beef and pork.
What chemicals were found?
The authors explain that the purpose of the study was to examine the links between certain foods and their effects on children. They also determined how exposure occurred, whether by ingestion through the mouth, skin contact, or accidental inhalation of dust.
Samples of indoor air and indoor dust were taken, and urine and blood of children were examined. Subsequently, 50 biomarkers of exposure to various chemicals were identified, including phthalates, organophosphorus esters and other substances.
In children from homes where chemicals were contained on the couch in the main residential area, the concentration of toxins in the blood was 6 times higher.
In people from wealthy families, a high concentration of chemicals was not found.
Negative impact on the environment
Fire-resistant chemicals come out of products and accumulate in the environment. Due to their high persistence, chemicals spread throughout the environment and end up in the food. A Scandinavian study revealed high concentrations of brominated flame retardants even in the Arctic.
From the point of view of the furniture industry, the time has come to take another step and adopt new fire safety rules. Do not create furniture that requires the use of flame retardant chemicals.
The increased incidence of obesity, diabetes mellitus or endocrine diseases may be due in part to flame retardant chemicals. To protect children, it is recommended that you constantly clean your home and do not buy furniture with hazardous substances.
